Smith & Wesson Folding Knife, 2.22in Review

Let’s Dive into Smith & Wesson Folding Knife, 2.22in

The Smith & Wesson Folding Knife, 2.22in is a compact and budget-friendly everyday carry (EDC) option. This Smith & Wesson folder features a grey stainless steel skeleton handle and a 7Cr17MoV high carbon stainless steel drop point blade. It aims to provide reliable utility in a small package, perfect for light tasks and emergency situations.

I was searching for a lightweight, inexpensive knife to keep in my go-bag for minor cutting tasks. I needed something more robust than a box cutter but smaller and lighter than my usual fixed-blade knife. The Smith & Wesson Folding Knife, 2.22in seemed like a good fit.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by how light it was. The skeletonized handle contributes significantly to the knife’s minimal weight, and the grey finish gives it a modern, tactical appearance. The build quality, while not exceptional, felt adequate for the price point, with no obvious manufacturing defects.

I considered the Kershaw Cryo and the CRKT Squid before settling on this Smith & Wesson model. While the Kershaw offered slightly better steel, and the CRKT boasted a more robust feel, the Smith & Wesson Folding Knife, 2.22in offered the best balance of size, weight, and cost for my specific needs. It seemed the most suited for a backup, lightweight tool.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The low price raised some concerns about long-term durability, but the size and weight were exactly what I was looking for. I was eager to put it to the test and see if it could handle everyday tasks without failing.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Smith & Wesson Folding Knife, 2.22in to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Smith & Wesson Folding Knife, 2.22in on a weekend camping trip. I used it for tasks like cutting rope, preparing kindling, and opening food packages. It performed reasonably well for these light-duty tasks.

The weather was dry, and the knife felt secure in my hand, even without aggressive texturing on the handle. Opening and closing the blade was easy, thanks to the ambidextrous thumb knobs. I did, however, notice the frame lock felt a little thin and required deliberate engagement.

After the initial use, I was pleased with the sharpness of the blade and how easily it sliced through paracord. However, I wished the handle offered a bit more grip, especially when my hands were damp. The blade also seemed to dull slightly faster than some of my higher-end knives.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of occasional use, the Smith & Wesson Folding Knife, 2.22in has held up reasonably well. The blade has maintained its edge adequately, although it requires more frequent sharpening than knives with premium steel. The frame lock still functions as expected.

There are some minor scratches on the blade coating, but no significant signs of wear and tear on the handle or locking mechanism. The pocket clip remains securely attached. I’ve primarily used it for opening boxes, cutting zip ties, and other light tasks around the house and garage.

Cleaning is simple, requiring only a quick wipe down with a damp cloth and occasional application of oil to the pivot point. Compared to my more expensive knives, the Smith & Wesson Folding Knife, 2.22in hasn’t outperformed them in edge retention or durability, but it has proven to be a reliable and lightweight tool for basic tasks. It’s a solid performer given its price.

Breaking Down the Features of Smith & Wesson Folding Knife, 2.22in

Specifications

• Blade Length: 2.22 inches (5.60 cm). This compact blade size makes it ideal for EDC and discreet carry.
• Overall Length: 5.37 inches (13.60 cm). The small overall length ensures it doesn’t take up much pocket space.
• Weight: 3.7 oz./ 0.25 lb. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry without adding noticeable bulk.
• Blade Steel: 7Cr17 High Carbon Stainless Steel. This steel offers a good balance of corrosion resistance and edge retention for the price point.
• Handle Material: Stainless Steel. The stainless steel construction provides durability and a sleek appearance.
• Lock Type: Frame Lock. The frame lock is a simple and reliable locking mechanism, although it can sometimes be a bit stiff.
• Hardness: 55-58 HRC. This hardness rating indicates that the blade will hold an edge reasonably well and be relatively easy to sharpen.
• Handle Finish: Black Titanium. This finish adds a touch of style and provides some added corrosion resistance.
• Ambidextrous Thumb Knobs: These allow for easy one-handed opening by both left- and right-handed users.
• Pocket Clip: Allows for convenient and secure carry in a pocket or on a belt.
• Lanyard Hole: Provides an option for attaching a lanyard for added security and ease of retrieval.

These specifications are essential because they directly impact the knife’s usability and suitability for different tasks. The compact size and lightweight design make it a great EDC option, while the blade steel ensures reasonable edge retention for everyday cutting needs.

Performance & Functionality

The Smith & Wesson Folding Knife, 2.22in performs adequately for its intended purpose: light-duty cutting tasks. The blade is sharp enough to easily slice through rope, cardboard, and other common materials. The frame lock provides a secure lockup, preventing accidental closure during use.

However, the smaller blade size and relatively thin handle might not be suitable for heavy-duty tasks. The handle can also feel a bit slippery when wet. The knife meets my expectations for a budget-friendly EDC option but doesn’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The Smith & Wesson Folding Knife, 2.22in features a simple and functional design. The skeletonized handle reduces weight, making it comfortable to carry. The ambidextrous thumb knobs allow for easy one-handed opening.

The knife feels relatively comfortable in hand, although the lack of aggressive texturing on the handle might be an issue for some users. There is minimal learning curve. It’s designed to be an easy-to-use tool.

Durability & Maintenance

The stainless steel blade and handle construction suggest that the Smith & Wesson Folding Knife, 2.22in should last for a reasonable amount of time with proper care. The frame lock mechanism is relatively simple and durable. Regular cleaning and oiling of the pivot point will help to ensure smooth operation.

I estimate that this knife will last several years with occasional use, although it might not withstand the abuse of a more expensive, heavy-duty knife. It is easy to maintain. Simple cleaning is typically all that’s needed.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Smith & Wesson Folding Knife, 2.22in does not come with many accessories. The pocket clip is included and pre-installed. There are limited customization options available for this model. Aftermarket scales or blade replacements are unlikely due to the knife’s specific design and price point.

However, you could easily add a lanyard through the lanyard hole for enhanced grip and visibility. The knife is not designed to be heavily customized but functions well as a standalone tool.

Pros and Cons of Smith & Wesson Folding Knife, 2.22in

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Who Should Buy Smith & Wesson Folding Knife, 2.22in?

The Smith & Wesson Folding Knife, 2.22in is perfect for: Casual campers, office workers, and anyone needing a backup EDC knife for light-duty tasks. It is well-suited for those who need a compact and inexpensive tool for occasional use. College students or anyone needing a box-cutter style tool on a budget would be ideal.

Those who need a more robust and durable knife for heavy-duty tasks should skip this product. Also, those who require a secure grip in wet conditions might want to consider a knife with more aggressive handle texturing.

A small lanyard is a must-have accessory to increase grip and visibility. Also, a sharpening stone will help maintain the blade’s edge over time.

Conclusion on Smith & Wesson Folding Knife, 2.22in

The Smith & Wesson Folding Knife, 2.22in is a decent budget-friendly option for those seeking a lightweight and compact EDC knife. It performs adequately for light-duty tasks, although it has some limitations in terms of grip and blade steel quality.

The price is definitely justified given its utility and portability. It makes a solid choice for anyone needing a backup or occasional-use knife.

I would recommend it to anyone looking for an inexpensive and unobtrusive EDC option. For the price, you can’t go wrong with the Smith & Wesson Folding Knife, 2.22in. Pick one up and see if it fits your needs!